Thread: AVI or MOV format?

Hi WW

AVI is an older format developed by Microsoft and they have essentially replaced it with their WMV format.

MOV was created by Apple and has more advanced capabilities than AVI (native support for MP4 codecs and subtitles for example).

AVI is probably more common than MOV as it has been around much longer.

As usual which one is best for you depends on your own personal set up, I would base the decision on what computer you will use for editing purposes. If you have a windows PC then AVI would be my choice, if you have a Mac the go with MOV. This way you will reduce the potential for annoying compatibility issues that pop up at the most inconvenient of times.

Regards
Anthony

Originally Posted by Whit68

Hi WW

AVI is an older format developed by Microsoft and they have essentially replaced it with their WMV format.

MOV was created by Apple and has more advanced capabilities than AVI (native support for MP4 codecs and subtitles for example).

AVI is probably more common than MOV as it has been around much longer.

As usual which one is best for you depends on your own personal set up, I would base the decision on what computer you will use for editing purposes. If you have a windows PC then AVI would be my choice, if you have a Mac the go with MOV. This way you will reduce the potential for annoying compatibility issues that pop up at the most inconvenient of times.

Regards
Anthony

That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks!

Keep in mind you can install plugins for either operating system which will enable you to edit/play on either.

Good point. I have most plugins (though I use VideoLAN player), but as everything else I run is Windows based, I'll probably stick with AVI – unless anyone else knows of any good reason not to...

You won't have any compatability issues with avi on a mac.

Originally Posted by Whit68

Hi WW

AVI is an older format developed by Microsoft and they have essentially replaced it with their WMV format.

MOV was created by Apple and has more advanced capabilities than AVI (native support for MP4 codecs and subtitles for example).

AVI is probably more common than MOV as it has been around much longer.

what no mention of MPEG4-AVC/H.264 ?

a quick browse suggests that both AVI and MOV might have been superceeded


and Woodwould -- what you want the camcorder for might have a greater beraing on what camcorder you buy.
Many (most?) of the mid range advanced single lens digital cameras are also pretty good HD camcorders

The missus wants to video some of her work for other colleagues and I also want her to video other properties we might be interested in. I've been looking at HD, 25 plus x optical zoom cameras.

Much of it has already been mentioned, but here's a quick summary I found:


1. MOV was created by Apple as a container for QuickTime while AVI was developed by Microsoft for their media player
2. AVI is relatively old and has been replaced by Microsoft with WMV format
3. AVI does not provide native support for MP4 codecs while MOV does
4. AVI does have some of the advanced capabilities that are available in MOV
5. MOV can have subtitles in them while AVI cannot
6. AVI is still more popular compared to MOV simply because of its widespread use

Thanks. I'm still leaning towards AVI.

Originally Posted by Woodwould

The missus wants to video some of her work for other colleagues and I also want her to video other properties we might be interested in. I've been looking at HD, 25 plus x optical zoom cameras.

sounds like you may not need a serious video cam,
it doesn't sound as though sound recording or voice over is a major consideration, so

for videoing properties, one of these might be ideal GoPro HD Helmet Hero - Ted's Cameras

and for your other use, maybe one of these Sony Cybershot WX10 | Sony Digital Cameras | Ted's Camera Stores - Ted's Cameras

the second would do both tasks.


Back to the codec issue.
as far as I can tell, your camera will use a particular format, it's only when you get the raw video onto a computer that the codec matters
some cameras have a youtube mode, apart from this I'm unaware of any camera using AVI or MOV, in camera it's MPEG4, AVC/H.264, etc

Thanks for the recommendations. The missus doesn't wear a helmet much these days, but the Sony looks good.

you could always borrow it and wear it with the chest harness while doing a WIP

Originally Posted by ian

you could always borrow it and wear it with the chest harness while doing a WIP

I have a poor record with video gear. I had quite a good set-up on a race car about twelve years ago until the inevitable happened. I also had a professional 3CCD camera which doesn't exist any longer either.

I'm told I won't be allowed near the new camera. I'd only forget to switch it on anyway.

Originally Posted by Woodwould

I have a poor record with video gear. I had quite a good set-up on a race car about twelve years ago until the inevitable happened.

sounds like you're a bit of a dare devil, so in that case, the GoPro looks the go for you


Note I linked to relatively low price options, you can spend a whole lot more if you and Mrs Woodwould want something more